Maldonado wins 2012 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix

Pastor Maldonado and the Williams-Renault team took their first win since 2004 and his first ever Formula 1 victory (in only his 24th start) with a simply fantastic drive at the 2012 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso finished in 2nd place in his home race followed by the Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Kamui Kobayashi also drove a fantastic race for Sauber and put in some serious overtaking moves and finished in 5th place. He was followed by Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and the McLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton (who started dead last) and Jenson Button. Nico Hulkenberg from Force India rounded up the top 10th.

The race was filled with ups and downs that involved several overtaking moves (despite Spain being known to be a track where you couldn't overtake) and some incredible racing duels. It did seem as though several drivers were struggling with their tires across the entire race. In the end, it was a calm and calculated drive from the Williams-Renault driver that took the podium. Maldonado's win also marks a great gift on the 70th birthday of Sir Frank Williams, a Formula 1 icon who's team has seen some hard times especially over the past couple of seasons. And once again the driver in pole position went on to win the race at Catalunya!

The teams and drivers will now head to the South of France next, for the most-prestigious race in the calendar, the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2012 to be held from 24th to 27th May at Monte Carlo, Monaco.